Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/19/2007

Question
Eileen, I have an antique wooden rocking chair with a tapestry upholstered seat.  It is a spring seat with burlap and has been stuffed with straw, which is coming through the burlap.  I would like to refurbish the seat and I don't know what to use to replace the straw.  What would you suggest?  Thank you for your time and expertise.  Dana

Answer
Hi Dana
Nice to hear from you.
While I am not an expert in this area, I have done a few of these seats over the years. I call it simple recovering LOL.
First you will re-tie all the springs with new cord as you state that some are poking through.
Look closely to see how the original ones are done.
Then replace the burlap, and then replace the straw if you prefer not to use it.
In this case I would use cotton padding.
You could use a synthetic padding too, but I like the cotton in this application.
Dana here are a few sites I found with some basics.
The 3rd site has a picture of the cotton padding I refer to.
http://www.upholster.com/howto/upholstery-primer.html

http://www.carrscorner.com/springtying.php

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ln_upholstery/article/0,2041,DIY_14056_3846125,00....
Good luck with this job, and thanks for a great question.
And remember...never say I can't...say I will try.
You can do this.
Regards
Eileen
PS..most upholestry shops will sell you the bit of supplies you will require like the cotton and tying cord.